Actor Tayme Thapthimthong on Enjoying Gaitok in ‘The White Lotus’

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Actor Tayme Thapthimthong by no means watched The White Lotus earlier than being solid as lodge safety guard Gaitok on the favored HBO present. And whereas his character has generated a lot of buzz for the reason that present’s February premiere, Thapthimthong chatted with Journey + Leisure over the summer season whereas the solid was filming on location in Thailand and informed us all about his expertise on and off digital camera. 

“It’s been wonderful, nothing has actually made me need to get off the bed this a lot,” Thapthimthong informed T+L. “Waking up in a five-star lodge each time that I’m filming right here has been surreal.”  

Thapthimthong, who was born and raised in London however spent summers with household in Thailand, moved to the South Asian nation at age 22. With a army background and a facet ardour for appearing, he scored numerous gigs previously decade earlier than his main break in The White Lotus. Coincidentally, he was working as a bodyguard when he received the position on the present—after which watched the primary two seasons in every week. 

“It was one thing I by no means truly anticipated to occur, however it got here alongside and I couldn’t be happier,” he mentioned of the present that’s set primarily on the luxe 4 Seasons Koh Samui in Thailand, which is T+L’s 2025 Vacation spot of the Yr.

Off digital camera, Thapthimthong lives like every other native. He’s primarily based in Bangkok and his ardour for health leads him exterior of the town for mountain climbing and bouldering every time potential. And since he grew up visiting Thailand in the course of the summer season, the nation’s wet season, the actor went full-fledged vacationer upon his transfer from London and explored throughout. 

“Since being right here, I’m very adventurous,” he mentioned. “Inside the first three months of being right here, I managed to satisfy somebody that introduced me all the way down to a province a bit south of Phuket, and I truly lived with a fisherman household for 2 weeks on their boat, and I received to see that life the place they used the celebs to navigate at night time and camp out.”

Thapthimthong, who additionally lived on a rice farm in his early Thailand days, discovered himself experiencing a extra luxurious facet of the nation whereas filming The White Lotus. 

“This is sort of a entire new expertise for me, I’ve by no means stayed at a 4 Seasons earlier than or an Anantara,” he mentioned. “It’s been eye-opening for me, I’m like, ‘Oh wow, that’s what these rooms appear to be.’”

However no matter lodging, the actor’s explorations didn’t cease when he landed his position in The White Lotus. The present’s solid—which incorporates Michelle Monaghan, Parker Posey, and Walton Goggins—received to discover locations collectively whereas filming. 

“I’ll eat on the nearest restaurant I see, I’m not that choosy with meals,” he mentioned. “These guys, they go round after which they begin sending into the Whatsapp group ‘You have to do that, do that, and do that,’ and that was one thing I actually respect as a result of if I come again to Koh Samui, I am going to know the place to go.”  

In fact, Thapthimthong isn’t a stranger to native delicacies and has suggestions of his personal, together with Chiang Mai specialty khao soi “which is sort of a hen, noodle, and coconut cream lime soup,” he defined, plus a easy grilled hen, sticky rice, and papaya salad. “That’s often my go-to, and you could find it wherever.” 

And once you go to Thailand, the actor famous {that a} easy gesture—the wai, a praying palms movement that signifies gratitude—is all it is advisable talk. 

“That’s your greatest buddy in Thailand, you possibly can go wherever,” he mentioned. 

Past a significant profession enhance, Thapthimthong shares that he was pleased with his position as Gaitok as a result of he had the prospect to characterize his nation and folks, too. 

“I really feel proud to really get to be one of many folks to characterize Thailand on this season,” he mentioned. “Thailand has all the time been an incredible vacation vacation spot for folks all over the world, however I believe this may actually do what it did for Hawaii and Sicily. I do know what it is like to return from a colder nation to this place. It’s nice that the present is right here.” 

With the season practically over, viewers have principally seen Gaitok’s budding relationship with fellow lodge employees member Mook (performed by Lisa from Okay-pop group Blackpink) and his challenges because the lodge’s safety guard. Of his character, Thapthimthong informed T+L that he’s “a pleasant man, however he can swap it up if he must. His arc goes to be fascinating.” 

The season finale of The White Lotus airs this Sunday on HBOMax.